Gloria’s European trip
Ok, maybe I missed the significance of this moment, or at that time I just didn’t care enough… or maybe was blogging about so many other (and much more) captivating topics. But President Gloria European tour to Italy, the Vatiacan and Spain is apparently a productive one, or so says the PIA, so it is worth bragging blogging about.
The foreign travels of the president of any nation usually gather many good things for the people. Such travels may also be criticized by some sectors for one reason or the other.
We understand, however, that President Gloria Arroyo’s European trip (Italy and Spain) is yielding benefits for the Filipino people.
President Arroyo has received the assurance of Italian leader that Filipino workers overstaying in Italy could legalize their stay under an amnesty that took effect in 2002.
Indeed such assurance inspires more Filipinos to work and stay in Italy and elsewhere abroad.
She was in the Vatican earlier in the week and met with the new Pope Benedict XVI to present her signed proclamation abolishing the death penalty… the Pope was pleased with her, so I read. Here are more reports from the Inquirer:
In Madrid, she is expected to meet King Juan Carlos I and President Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, as well as with leaders of the Spanish business community and local officials.
Arroyo’s visit to Spain coincides with the 4th anniversary of Fil-Hispano Friendship Day on June 30 and the celebration of Philippine-Spanish cultural year 2006.
The thrust of Madrid visit is also highly economic, Bunye said.
Arroyo will seek Spanish investments in alternative energy, information communication technology, infrastructure and tourism development.
She will also thank the Italian and Spanish governments for their “kind and generous treatment” of Filipino workers.
Now, if only Gloria let Paolo and Miriam tag along, then we’re sure our European kababayans will be even more glad she’s there!
[Photo source: Yahoo News]
Comments Off